Modern Law Practice

The Modern Law Practice section of FindLaw's Legal Technology Center provides free resources related to practical technology issues commonly encountered in the law. Current awareness topics such as Technology Law News, Social Media and Law Technology Events can help you become and remain a tech-savvy lawyer. FindLaw provides free information to help you increase the efficiency and productivity of your law practice through networking and storage technology.

Many businesses are still coasting along enjoying the marketing advantages of social media without making sure they have a good compliance program in place. For every company with a Facebook fan page or Twitter account roughly 65 percent would admit they do not have a social media policy.

Tough legislation and court actions are not making a dent in the growing spam juggernaut. However, individuals and organisations are fighting back and there are sensible practices which can limit the damage.

There is guidance from the courts so your company can increase its chances of identifying anonymous bloggers who may be liable for claims such as copyright infringement, trademark infringement, or defamation.

Social media communications and online activity should be thought of as an extension of "electronically stored information" ("ESI") and the discovery rules that apply when a company is in a legal dispute that would trigger a duty to preserve company emails and electronic documents.

Provided by Kevin Fayle of FindLaw
The Ninth Circuit recently issued a ruling against Roommates.com that could greatly impact other social networking sites by calling into question the immunity under Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act that such sites have previously enjoyed.

Provided by Anne C. O'Donnell of FindLaw
California recently passed AB 1844 Employer Use of Social Media, which prohibits an employer from requiring or requesting an employee or applicant for employment to disclose a username or password for the purpose of accessing personal social media.